All of my kids learned how to swim at the Auckland City Tepid Baths in New Zealand. Here in Puerto Williams, Tormentina and Raivo (6 & 4) are teaching Pearl (2) how to feel comfortable in the cold water in her life jacket. These kids just blow me away. Cannot believe they are all in the chilly water (avg.9°C/48°F / Pearl without a wet-suit!) or that they are doing MOB saftey simulations on their own.

Shaggy Mane (Coprino, Coprinus comatus) mushrooms are one of the delicious edible mushrooms that are found on the island. The guidebooks warn that they become very toxic when mixed with alcohol and to avoid drinking at least four hours after consuming them. We have heard stories of people temporarily losing their near-sighted vision after accidentally making this mistaken mix. My girls love eating these sautéed with butter and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.

In this UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, my children are learning about invasive species that are on the island. They have seen mink, beavers, wild horses, wild dogs, and now a new species of yellow jackets that threaten the delicate natural balance of this wild place we call home.